The last dance has taken place at a “dilapidated” hall in south Farnham with housing set to take its place.

Diggers will soon move onto Vicarage Hill as plans to replace The Bourne Hall with a terrace of four-bedroom homes have been unanimously approved - despite one councillor calling the design ‘ghastly’.

Plans to replace the venue with a row of three houses were approved by Waverley Borough Council in February despite some local concerns over size, loss of light, access and design.

But the legal agreement was only recently completed while applicants Gary and Pauline Branch have also been given 13 conditions to meet.

For example, no development will take place until they have provided a Construction Transport Management Plan with further conditions focusing on the adjacent private lane that neighbours use for access.

Neighbouring resident David Ingram told the committee that access to the homes should come from Vicarage Hill before criticising the “unsympathetic” design and scale of the proposed scheme.

He said: “We’re not opposed to the replacement of the dilapidated building but we do have reservations.

“It should be developed but not as currently planned.”

But agent Howard Miller said the scheme would greatly improve the area before adding that Surrey Highways have raised no objections.

He said: “The development would help contribute to the growing housing need in the borough within a sustainable location in Farnham.

“It would be an attractive addition to the area, made to match the prevailing street scene.”

Councillors voted 12-0 for approval although George Murray called for conditions while Carole Cockburn didn’t seem keen on the design.

Cllr Cockburn said: “I think this scheme is ghastly but will go with the recommendation for approval as no-one wants this hall.”

Planning officers also feel the scheme makes good use of previously developed land.